The DPP’s United Campaign Strategy in the Legislative Yuan Elections: The Case of Taipei and Kaohsiung City

Volume: 

13

Number: 

1

Published date: 

六月, 2009

Authors: 

Chang-chih Lin

Abstract: 

This article examines the formation and electoral effects of the “united campaign strategy” used by the DPP in the Taipei and Kaohsiung City elections. This campaign strategy is a peculiarly maneuvered under SNTV electoral system. Its unique feature is that, instead of campaigning alone, the candidates from a party step up their campaigns as a union to facilitate the allocation of votes, namely “vote equalization”. The empirical evidence indicates that the formation of this strategy is primarily connected with the rational thinking of a party and its candidates. The goals of this strategy are to raise the chances of winning, to decrease the campaign funds, to equalize the votes for candidates, and to optimize the party’s vote shares and seats. Based on an analysis of the outcomes of the comparative research design, “a united campaign” and “vote equalization” strategy does not have the positive electoral effects mentioned above without some contributing factors, such as the party’s nominating strategy and the gap in the approval rates among candidates. Even though there is changes are taking place in the Legislative Yuan’s electoral system, a united campaign and vote equalization strategy will still play an important role in the local legislative elections, which are still under the SNTV system.

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